Town looks to save energy

Matthew Engelhardt

Published
12:00 am EDT, Monday, July 24, 2006

MIDDLEFIELD - The board of selectmen is turning an eye to the future by trying to develop new methods of conserving energy.

According to First Selectman Jon Brayshaw, the bills from Connecticut Light and Power have become enormous, and the town needs to find more effective measures before it goes broke. Brayshaw said that the streetlights in town cost close to $100,000 annually to power, and costs to run Town Hall and the Community Center have reached the breaking point.

The board of selectmen approved a motion this week to put together a new energy commission to investigate ways to save Middlefield some money. In addition, Brayshaw hopes the town can start converting to new, safe energy sources that will prove better for the environment as well as the wallet.

"In my opinion, everything about energy will change in the next 10 to 20 years," Brayshaw said. "You're going to either be behind the curve or ahead of the curve."

Middlefield may invest in some options that have proved successful for other local communities such as Middletown. The city has been recognized by the state for its energy policies, and was one of the first municipalities to sign up for the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.

The move to cleaner energy is enticing to Brayshaw. Through the plan, Middlefield would work towards the state goal of creating new sources of clean, reusable energy by the year 2010. According to the first selectman, he will seek any measure necessary to achieve the goals of lowering costs and making energy cleaner.

According to Brayshaw, the town will seek ways to reduce its costs in all energy-related areas. Middlefield will look to buy more energy-efficient vehicles and find answers to the rising bills.

"Wouldn't it be nice to have the Community Center all self-contained?" Brayshaw said.

Several individuals interested in serving on the commission have already contacted Brayshaw. However, he encouraged anyone interested to contact him at the town hall.

According to the first selectmen, this is an initiative that the town can get behind and start to make significant progress. Although it may include some sacrifices, he is determined to find alternatives, and to not have to sign more expensive checks for energy costs.